Blood Drive at Needles High School on Thursday, September 14th from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM in the gymnasium.

Lady ’Stangs battled Lady Cougars, earn first division win

LAUGHLIN — The Lady ’Stangs battled it out with the Lady Cougars, coming out on top in a best of five match. Needles won 25-23, and 25-16 twice.

Much of the contest was at the net with both teams getting some tips and blocks to get some of their points. Both sides dug themselves out of tough spots to keep the volley going many times in all three games.

Even when it appeared Needles would pull away, Laughlin battled back. Both teams began to struggle some with serving by the third game, exhaustion may have set in for both teams.

Laughlin Coach Bryan Crabtree said he felt his girls played flat. They played great all day at the Havasu tournament except against Needles. He wasn't sure what it was about playing Needles, but the girls seem to have a tough time with them, he continued.

There were a lot of good things including playing like a team, he said. They do need to work on their offense and making smarter plays, he added.

Needles Coach Trish Phelps said she was very happy with how her girls played all night. They started a little slow but opened up and covered the open spots, she continued.

Some of the younger players did well, she said. The girls are coming together.

Needles will host Mountain View in The Corral on Friday, Sept. 23. Junior varsity begins at 3 and 4 p.m. and varsity takes court at 5 and 6 p.m.